“Music is not what I do – it’s who I am”. From the time he was old enough to appreciate it, Damian Marshall fell in love with music. From Led Zeppelin, to Neil Diamond and Gordon Lightfoot, Damian was exposed to many different styles of music through his mom and dad, grandpa, uncles and aunts who were all very musical. When his time came to start making his mark as a musician, he knew that he would naturally gravitate to country music for its melody, harmony, and lyrical style.

As most careers in music seem too, Damian got his start from humble beginnings. Winning the 1996 Search For The Stars contest through Nornet Broadcasting, and a local singer/songwriter contest certainly bolstered his confidence, but didn’t make him an overnight success! With that confidence he auditioned for his first “A” circuit country rock band based in Edmonton, Alberta and got his first gig as a professional singer/ acoustic guitar player. The band was called the Alamo and they traveled throughout Alberta and British Columbia playing the club circuit.It was a relatively short-lived venture when Damian realized that as much as he loved to play music, he also wanted to create music. From the time he was a kid, he had dreamed that one day he would be the guy on the radio singing songs that would move people in some way.

That dream would be realized in 2001 with the independent release of “Fortunate One” to Canadian country radio. With moderate success and strong reviews from radio programmers and critics, Damian set out to record his second single with CCMA nominated producer Tom McKillip. Shortly after, the single was released to radio and Damian Marshall charted his first top 30 hit on the BDS Charts! “Don’t Say Anything At All’ was co-written by Curb Records Artist Lisa Brokop and featured her harmony vocals on the track. Playing on 82 stations throughout Canada, the single also garnered a nomination from the Radio Awards in 2004 featured at Canadian Music Week for Best New Artist.

With that brought opportunities to perform at some higher profile venues such as; The Nashville North Tent at the Calgary Stampede, the Big Valley Jamboree, Merritt Mountain Music Festival, the National Finals Rodeo cabaret. Others include; Strathmore Rodeo cabaret, the Ranchman’s, Cranbrook BC’s Sam Steele Days, and the Wainwright Rodeo.

Damian’s moderate success as an independent recording artist has taught him to persevere through hardships and shortfalls and learn from his experiences. Working by day as a beverage delivery truck driver and playing at night has kept him humble and appreciative for what he has. Constantly searching to re-invent himself and to incorporate his life into his music is what keeps things interesting. That is why Damian’s new record, Built To Last recorded in Nashville, will be thought-provoking, a little more melodic, and fun. From the heart like it should be. May 2005 will see the first single, “I Know Where I’m Running From” released to Canadian country radio! Check it out!!